Separate Power for Yards vs. Main Lines?

[dehusman]

Why wouldn't you want to wire it for conventional two block DC? It does exactly what you want without the need for worrying about a transition It might cost you a couple extra switches.

Dave H.

[rrinker]

Definitely wire at least the transition to a toggle. The arrival/departure track(s) for sure, that way your road train can pull into the yard, and then you can switch to the yard cab for the switcher to classify the train.

--Randy

[bogp40]

QUOTE: Originally posted by MisterBeasley

Yes, you can do this. It's pretty much the same as wiring two blocks with independent DC cabs. Of course, when the engines are in the transition area you need to carefully match both direction and speed.

I agree with MisterBeasley. Consider the use and all possibilities of how you want to operate the yard to figure where your transition "block" or "blocks" will be. On a double ended yard the tranition could be the entire mainline track extending beyond both yard turnouts. This section can be controlled by the Yard cab/ power pack w/ a double pole, double throw-center off switch. The sw is marked by direction entering from mainline for aligning polarity to enter the yard. The center off will allow normal use of the main from mainline cab/ powerpack. You may also want to include a yard lead as part of the mainline cab to allow smooth tranition from mainline into yard. then you can throttle up the yard power after turning off the mainline block.
There are many options to accompli***his. Others on this group can help once you know exactly what operation suits you best.
Ever consider going to DCC? It's reasons like this that makes DCC so great to have.
Bob K.

[MisterBeasley]

Yes, you can do this. It's pretty much the same as wiring two blocks with independent DC cabs. Of course, when the engines are in the transition area you need to carefully match both direction and speed.

[Gluefinger]

I'm in the process of building a layout in which the main line passes througha small yard- a rough "drawing" of it is below. (Equal signs are the main line, slashes are switches, and dashed lines are the yard tracks)

My question is- can I wire the layout so that the main line is independent of the yard tracks- one power pack for the main, and one power pack for the yard? I'm sure this is possible, but I'm not sure how to wire it so that engines can come off the main, drop cars off, and pull back out (or vice versa).

I'm running straight DC- no fancy tricks here....

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